A comatose man re-emerges into consciousness in a multilayered, multimedia theatrical event about the miraculous power of the brain to re-wire and heal itself. Blending cutting-edge science with masterful storytelling, Ovation, Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle and LA Weekly award-nominated co-writers Alex Lyras and Robert McCaskill team up with two-time Grammy Award-nominated composer Ken Rich, visual artist Corwin Evans and three-time Emmy Award-winning editor Peter Chakos to take the audience deep inside his memories, even as a hovering circle of family members and loved ones (all played by Lyras) divide into scheming camps over critical neurological decisions. A profound, often comedic tour of the collective unconscious. Continues through April 10; $30; Hudson Guild Theatre. 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90038. For info and tix call (323) 960-7787 or go to www.plasticitytheplay.com.
Plasticity
Reviews
This unusual piece of theatre, rooted in neuroscience, is one of the most imaginative stage offering you'll ever see.
"For a play that sets up a real opportunity to discuss end-of-life issues and difficult moral and ethical medical decisions, it chose instead to only actively portray one point of view—the male one...while the multimedia elements were impressive, Plasticity completely missed the opportunity to say anything profound as a result of too many missteps in the way it was presented."
I would have loved the play if it had been done as sheer fantasy, it was that visually and mentally compelling, but dwelling on the science and possibilities of it for days afterward was a bonus. In fact, I was so taken with it that I am going back to see it again and taking a few friends. Love the theater, too, nice waiting area, refreshments, friendly staff, and comfortable seating.
Blending cutting-edge science with masterful storytelling, Ovation, Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle and L.A. Weekly award-nominated co-writers Alex Lyras and Robert McCaskill teamed up with two-time Grammy Award-nominated composer Ken Rich, visual artist Corwin Evans and three-time Emmy Award-winning editor Peter Chakos to create a profound, humorous and highly ambitious tour of the collective unconscious in the world premiere of PLASTICITY.
It would be wrong to give away the ending of Plasticity; suffice to say that it is as satisfying as it is surprising. Remarkable in the way it takes an audience into the very depths of human consciousness, this is one of the finest small-theatre productions L.A. has ever seen.
All the dazzle of the media elements aside, the story has a beating, human heart. The characters that Mr. Lyras creates are vivid and touching as they express the angst, frustration and love that surrounds the looming loss of a loved one. Staged in the intimate confines of the Hudson Guild Theatre and lavishly produced, Plasticity is mesmerizing. Get your tickets!
The result of this gangly inclusion and intermingling of personas, combined with the continual bouncing around to different locales, is layer upon layer of unessential gabble, puzzling digressions, and a play that trainwrecks early on, then caps off with a convenient soap opera style ending.
The innovative music composed by Ken Rich, the set and lighting design by Matt Richter, and the editing by Peter Chalkos all coalesce to form a nearly perfect theatrical event. And that's not easy to do with a solo performance on a subject so esoteric that it boggles the mind!
This is a theatrical experience well worth seeking out. It breaks new ground as a tour de force for the solo actor, for the vigorous freshness of the production itself, and for the discussion that will undoubtedly follow.
PLASTICITY blends cutting-edge science with masterful storytelling and technological sophistication as it addresses profound questions of being. This is a poignant and intriguing glimpse into what goes on in the deepest reaches of the brain.
"Plasticity" is a tour de force, using minimal production to take us deep into both one man's limitless subconscious as well as the minds and lives of the people who love him. It may be a little bit more than the creators could handle, but only by a tiny stretch. This experimental tour de force must be seen to be believed. The experience will leave you thinking and moved.
Plasticity could easily fill full-size theaters once the hero's heart - and not just his brain - is put center stage.
That every single character on the Hudson Guild Theatre stage is played by one amazing actor makes it something very special indeed. Factor in the year's most stunning sound-and-light design and trust me. The astonishing Plasticity is in a class all by itself.
The world premiere of PLASTICITY, a one-man show featuring Alex Lyras as an entire cast of characters, has the great fortune of a multi-talented performer in Lyras interpreting a very detailed script written by Lyras and Robert McCaskill. McCaskill ably directs his sole actor at a quick pace, with Lyras sometimes acting against himself as different characters.
This unusual piece of theatre, rooted in neuroscience, is one of the most imaginative stage offering you'll ever see.
"For a play that sets up a real opportunity to discuss end-of-life issues and difficult moral and ethical medical decisions, it chose instead to only actively portray one point of view—the male one...while the multimedia elements were impressive, Plasticity completely missed the opportunity to say anything profound as a result of too many missteps in the way it was presented."
I would have loved the play if it had been done as sheer fantasy, it was that visually and mentally compelling, but dwelling on the science and possibilities of it for days afterward was a bonus. In fact, I was so taken with it that I am going back to see it again and taking a few friends. Love the theater, too, nice waiting area, refreshments, friendly staff, and comfortable seating.
Blending cutting-edge science with masterful storytelling, Ovation, Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle and L.A. Weekly award-nominated co-writers Alex Lyras and Robert McCaskill teamed up with two-time Grammy Award-nominated composer Ken Rich, visual artist Corwin Evans and three-time Emmy Award-winning editor Peter Chakos to create a profound, humorous and highly ambitious tour of the collective unconscious in the world premiere of PLASTICITY.
It would be wrong to give away the ending of Plasticity; suffice to say that it is as satisfying as it is surprising. Remarkable in the way it takes an audience into the very depths of human consciousness, this is one of the finest small-theatre productions L.A. has ever seen.
All the dazzle of the media elements aside, the story has a beating, human heart. The characters that Mr. Lyras creates are vivid and touching as they express the angst, frustration and love that surrounds the looming loss of a loved one. Staged in the intimate confines of the Hudson Guild Theatre and lavishly produced, Plasticity is mesmerizing. Get your tickets!
The result of this gangly inclusion and intermingling of personas, combined with the continual bouncing around to different locales, is layer upon layer of unessential gabble, puzzling digressions, and a play that trainwrecks early on, then caps off with a convenient soap opera style ending.
The innovative music composed by Ken Rich, the set and lighting design by Matt Richter, and the editing by Peter Chalkos all coalesce to form a nearly perfect theatrical event. And that's not easy to do with a solo performance on a subject so esoteric that it boggles the mind!
This is a theatrical experience well worth seeking out. It breaks new ground as a tour de force for the solo actor, for the vigorous freshness of the production itself, and for the discussion that will undoubtedly follow.
PLASTICITY blends cutting-edge science with masterful storytelling and technological sophistication as it addresses profound questions of being. This is a poignant and intriguing glimpse into what goes on in the deepest reaches of the brain.
"Plasticity" is a tour de force, using minimal production to take us deep into both one man's limitless subconscious as well as the minds and lives of the people who love him. It may be a little bit more than the creators could handle, but only by a tiny stretch. This experimental tour de force must be seen to be believed. The experience will leave you thinking and moved.
Plasticity could easily fill full-size theaters once the hero's heart - and not just his brain - is put center stage.
That every single character on the Hudson Guild Theatre stage is played by one amazing actor makes it something very special indeed. Factor in the year's most stunning sound-and-light design and trust me. The astonishing Plasticity is in a class all by itself.
The world premiere of PLASTICITY, a one-man show featuring Alex Lyras as an entire cast of characters, has the great fortune of a multi-talented performer in Lyras interpreting a very detailed script written by Lyras and Robert McCaskill. McCaskill ably directs his sole actor at a quick pace, with Lyras sometimes acting against himself as different characters.